Staff Analysis of the Legislation

This bill revises procedures for local governments to come into compliance with EPD water/wastewater pollution rules; making it clear that the EPD Director may notify the violator in writing of the opportunity to perform voluntary remedial action via consent order and authorizing the Director to require a bond or letter of credit to ensure compliance instead of a traditional fine. If a consent order to comply is violated, the local government may have its bond or letter of credit forfeited with that money being deposited into a new fund at the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help pay for these compliance projects.